Preparing an Episcopal Funeral: A Review

The Very Rev. Rob Boulter, Dean of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore, along with the Rev. Kenneth Koehler, Pastor of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Colorado, have put together a very practical handbook and guide for planning a funeral in accordance with the guidelines in the Book of Common Prayer.

There are essays by a variety of authors on coping with death which include articles about preparing for death, preparing children for funerals, honoring wishes for end-of-life care, among others. In addition to presenting guidelines for funerals – Rite One or Rite Two, Homilies and Eulogies, service leaflets, etc., this book offers the suggested scripture readings from the Book of Common Prayer in full along with music suggestions.

Most helpfully, this short volume includes the following worksheets – Information for survivors, financial papers and records, information for the funeral home, the actual funeral service, and information for the parish church.

We recommend this book for all parish clergy and parishioners who wish to make sure that their wishes are followed. It is available on Amazon.

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At the Raising the Song Symposium, participants were taught in a masterclass format—meaning, we had to get up and lead singing in front of a room full of professional musicians and then get feedback from our peers and the clinicians. This was terrifying for a keyboard musician like me! The environment, however, was so supportive and the clinicians so helpful and affirming, that it was absolutely a wonderful experience. I felt really empowered to step away from the organ and lead singing with just my voice and body.